- Create a budget! The first step to avoid a financial emergency is to know how much money you have to pay debts and to save.
- Pay bills on time to eliminate unnecessary late fees. If monthly bills are too high, consider debt consolidation. Get free bill paying reminders.
- Cut out wasteful expenditures for products and services you really don't need to survive. Is cable TV more important than eliminating debt?
- Examine credit card statements and balance your checkbook. Look for unauthorized charges or withdrawals and challenge them. Order a credit report to check for errors that could affect eligibility for loans, credit cards, and lower interest rates.
- Secure your financial future with insurance. If an income earner dies, can you pay monthly bills without incurring debts or bankruptcy?
- Be careful of everything you sign, especially free entry contests. Often these have fine print, whereby your entry signature authorizes things like having your long distance switched to a higher rate carrier.
- Pay down on any and all interest loans and credit cards, starting with the higher interest rates.
- Find a reputable investor. Don't rely upon "tips from friends" on where to invest money. Paying a professional may prove more profitable.
- Update your resume at least annually. Your employer may not be aware of your value to offer salary increases or other benefits.
- Consider retirement. What bills do you want paid off before retiring? How much money will you have? What lifestyle will you want? Consider an annuity.
